Epic IC - New York City Freeplay

[Michale CS]

"Time for Turtle Titan to take to the streets." He headed out, trying to run into someone, anyone... any hero or vigilante out there that he might be able to talk to.

...twenty minutes later.

"They all must be out busting crime. No worries, the investigative powers of the Terrific Turtle Titan will turn something up in no time."

...two hours later.

"Okay, there must be some secret meeting somewhere. Does New York have a Spider-Signal?"

...another hour later.

---

---

"Must... stop. Need... pizza." He dropped down to one of his favorite pizza places, one with tables on the patio, only to find someone in a superhero costume already there enjoying pizza. "Pizza first... then my head will be clear." "Dude, you okay?" "I will be. Once I've ordered an extra-large with double pepperoni." "So your powers require a lot of energy and you need to eat a lot?" "..." "Dude?" "...yeah... something like that I'm Turtle Titan. Which hero do I have the honor of meeting tonight?" "Speedball. New Warriors? Maybe you knew me as Penance? Hope not, I had a crappy attitude then." Blink. Blink. "Never heard of you." They both say together, then laugh. "Go get your pizza. Then we'll do all the heroic introductions." "Deal."

...two hours later.
"Man that was awesome! And thanks for putting the word out to your friends. It means a lot to me."
"No problem. Heroes help each other out. High five."
SMACK.
"Dude I'll never get over the way you do that. It's soo cool."
"Thanks"[/hr]

 

[Michale CS]

And, as promised... the next evening, walking into Harlem's Paradise would be Shades and Mariah Dillard. No one slowed them down in their direct progress to the VIP area where Cornell Stokes and his "friends" spent their time.

Mariah took a seat across from Cornell, and Shades stepped up to stand behind her chair, and Shades handed Cornell a file. It had release dates for the various MIDAS weaponry and a rather weightly and well-worded contract.

"So, Cornell. I hear you've made a lot of new friends lately. I take it you found my gift appropriate?" She steepled her fingers together and leaned forward slightly, waiting to hear what he would do to explain himself.

Because, you need to give someone rope if you want them to hang themselves.

And below, as usual an act was on stage...

@OrlandoBloomers

 

[C.T.]

And, as promised... the next evening, walking into Harlem's Paradise would be Shades and Mariah Dillard. No one slowed them down in their direct progress to the VIP area where Cornell Stokes and his "friends" spent their time.

Mariah took a seat across from Cornell, and Shades stepped up to stand behind her chair, and Shades handed Cornell a file. It had release dates for the various MIDAS weaponry and a rather weightly and well-worded contract.

"So, Cornell. I hear you've made a lot of new friends lately. I take it you found my gift appropriate?" She steepled her fingers together and leaned forward slightly, waiting to hear what he would do to explain himself.

Because, you need to give someone rope if you want them to hang themselves.

And below, as usual an act was on stage...

@OrlandoBloomers

"Looks like I owe ya fifty bucks." Digger remarked, staring over at another employee of Cottonmouth's. "Hit the bar later, I'll cover a few drinks, yeah? Great, glad ya agree." He finished for the guy without letting him get a word in. Remaining where he stood overlooking the whole scene from behind Cornell, leaning against the wall and taking a sip of his own can. Didn't take long at all, did it? Certainly less time than he expected. And bet on. Rest in peace his aching wallet.

"New friends is one way to put it."

So this was what the sleazy politician and her errand boy were like in person. First impressions from appearance...not the best but also not the worst, so there was that. "Ya know, for such an important lady as they say...I really was expecting someone taller." He raised his eyes over to the guy right behind her. "So you're Shades, eh? Calling it like you see it, with those nice glasses of yers. Maybe the two of us can step aside for a sec and discuss something else. Word on the street is ya know a thing or two. Information is power and all that."

Stokes had been able to at least give him a lead to chase this broad down...but not where to find the lead. Lawton could be anywhere. And detective work just wasn't his deal. Scoping out a bank was one thing but he never was into hide and seek. But perhaps Shades would know. One step at a time.

@Michale CS @OrlandoBloomers​

 

[Michale CS]

"So you're Shades, eh? Calling it like you see it, with those nice glasses of yers. Maybe the two of us can step aside for a sec and discuss something else. Word on the street is ya know a thing or two. Information is power and all that."

Hernan nodded. "I'd love to do that, but I'm providing Miss Dillard with needed moral support at the moment. If, however, you're willing to wait until I've escorted her to her vehicle out front at this meeting's conclusion, I would welcome such a chit chat. I'm... a fan of your work. I assume you're no longer working directly for Miss Waller, yes? Because if you are, we'll have not very much to say, I'm afraid. But... if we are all working for the same... family, then well... Family first, right?"

He grinned and offered a handshake to Digger to show no hard feelings. He was on the job, and other opportunities simply had to wait until that was done.

@C.T.

 

[Ringmaster]

What was power? Money? Or the greed that represented it. Or perhaps it was knowledge? What you know, who you knew that you could better pull the strings. To those two responses, the Shredder responded thus.

And he smashed the head of the prisoner with them, with his bare hands. As the body dropped, with bile and blood on his hands and bone chips flecking the ground, the Shredder turned to his students and said simply.

Power is simply....Power. Power to control, to direct and to implement. And above all, power that was earned and not simply bought with a wallet. Money can be stolen and information could always be compromised.

But personal power, to drive fear into the hearts of enemies and to fight with your own hand for what you had?

That above all else, was power the Shredder could live by.

But there was professional courtesy here too.

The jail was a joke. Its prisoners, its guards, every member of the staff was on the payroll of the titular Kingpin.

It was this man he sought out today, clad in his silk suit after offering a card for a guard to give to the man. The same as the one Karai had used to gain entrance into Harlem's Paradise.

The mark, of the Foot Clan. Though considering Cottonmouth had pulled through with his contacts, this would have been a meeting pre-determined and all set up.

What happened next? Well....

That depended entirely on Wilson Fisk.

@Gands​

 

[Gands]

Talia seemed to know the way.

If you will allow me Oroku-San.

Talia spoke softly with every guard that came to question them and their arrival and their destination. She knew them all by name. At one point the Warden himself came to make sure everything was alright. Everything was handled with a soft voice and an iron eye. It was clear to Shredder that she has had to make an example previously.

Wilson Fisk was in a large cell with a large table and a sumptuous feast and a chair set across from him.
He wore the orange of the common prisoner, but it was clear.... he was in charge here.

Thank you Talia. Would you please be so kind as to wait in my office ?

( In flawless Japanese > Wont you join me ?

@Ringmaster

 

[Ringmaster]

Shredder sat down across from him. Their methods differed, but enough remained similar that he would come himself to meet this man, rather then handing it over. Much like how Fisk wore the uniform of the prisoners here like a robe of state, there was no hiding the hidden dragon that was Shredder, within the guise of Oroku Saki. His mask was the true face of the Foot Clan, not the man staring across at Fisk as he ate. In English, he remarked aloud.

"I am capable of both fluently, as you like."

A small concession to give, for ease of the deal.

@Gands​

 

[Gands]

As you wish, I spent quite some time in Japan. Wonderful place really.

One hears many things there of the Foot Clan. The honor, the efficiency. You can be proud of what you have built.

He was in his element in many ways, He too felt the similarity between them. Yet for all of that, both used to being at the top of their world. Old tigers testing the borders of their realm.

Let us get to business then. Forgive my briskness, to what do I owe the honor of your visit ?

Kingpin to Shredder's perception was giving nothing away in body language, moving slowly, eating slowly with all of his senses open.

@Ringmaster

 

[Ringmaster]

So be it.

Right down to it then. Good. Shredder had little patience for the dance of diplomatic words. And without further preamble he spoke.

"Harlem and Mr. Stokes have opened their heart wide to the Foot Clan. Together, we've forged an alliance borne of profit and against those who remain a thorn in our side, nigh-perpetually in our line of work. Not Government of course- Parasites can always be bought off or replaced, but rather something else. Those who wear masks and who have no boundaries, to inflict their damage as they will."

He looked him in the eye and said calmly.

"My plan is to remove them all. Beginning with those who directly oppose our work interests, on up. One. By. One."

@Gands​

 

[Gands]

Interesting... Bold and very risky.

You have made a study of them Shredder ?

A dangerous game to be certain.

Wilson Fisk smiled. I have played this game before you know, it plays like Go, or Chess. Constant swing in momentum.

I have learned patience in the playing of it as you can see. I try to play to the dance of my own honor. But we all have our weaknesses.

What can you tell me of your plan ? Convince me Master Shredder of the strength of your endeavor !

@Ringmaster

 

[Ringmaster]

"The alternative, is to stand by and allow them to wreck our holdings time and again. And as our surroundings have shown...Even those in a position of strength, can be leveraged down to this."

He narrowed his eyes.

"Put simply, not only is it hurting our territory, but it sends a message of impudence and boldness- That they can stand up to our power, with a mask and some spandex. And moreover, they have succeeded! I applaud their strength at the least...But cannot allow it to continue."

He pressed a finger into the table.

"We start off, with those who have made it their goal to look into our work and remove them first. Eliminate the metahuman community in terms of those who are best familiar with our work. Afterwards, we absorb whatever resources and divide it equally among our people. It will be risky, but it can be done. Legends can be broken, as Gotham has shown us...And once the deception is stripped away, we strike and we strike hard....To that point, I have already began my plans."

He smirked for the first time, accenting the scar over his left eye.

"Mr. Stokes is our armorer. By giving him access to our territory and paying for it, his weapons are going out for practically free to every thug in New York City, making even those who are bulletproof fearful. They will stretch themselves thin, attempting to contain the threat...And then we will deal with them piecemeal. Your involvement means New York City would fall all the faster, and the Hand would be an asset to the patrols. There are....Other details of course, dependent on your answer."

@Gands​

 

[Gands]

These are the superweapons I have heard rumor of.

Very interesting.

You may distribute the weapons in Hells Kitchen with the same payment percentage as is standard in your previous agreement. I will withhold the Hand to patrol my territory as you might expect. Territorial boundaries for my territories are to be respected as I will of course continue to respect all signatories for the other territories as well.

You can expect me to acquire additional personnel. It is my judgement that this may get bloody Shredder.

There was some change recently, I don't know exactly what. But our ongoing count of active meta humans in New York has gone up about 175 percent.

while I have the utmost respect for you, and your excellently trained people. Meta humans... mutants.... talented well trained normal heroes... are all Dangerous.

Throughout all of this, Wilson Fisk continued to slowly, politely eat his meal.

@Ringmaster

 

[Ringmaster]

These are the superweapons I have heard rumor of.

Very interesting.

You may distribute the weapons in Hells Kitchen with the same payment percentage as is standard in your previous agreement. I will withhold the Hand to patrol my territory as you might expect. Territorial boundaries for my territories are to be respected as I will of course continue to respect all signatories for the other territories as well.

You can expect me to acquire additional personnel. It is my judgement that this may get bloody Shredder.

There was some change recently, I don't know exactly what. But our ongoing count of active meta humans in New York has gone up about 175 percent.

while I have the utmost respect for you, and your excellently trained people. Meta humans... mutants.... talented well trained normal heroes... are all Dangerous.

Throughout all of this, Wilson Fisk continued to slowly, politely eat his meal.

@Ringmaster

"Agreed...I had thought of that as well. Which brings me to your more...Direct involvement. We require your name and resources behind a little project we are appropriating for our own."

And reaching into his jacket, he continued, pulling out two pictures which he placed before him.

"This is a government sponsored team, made up of some...Disreputable elements. They had thought to use their power, for their own as well as gain plausibility in denying their involvement. This we shall take for our own, consisting of our people."

He then slid over the next photo.

"This is the man we wish to train and lead them."

@Gands​

 

[Gands]

There are some limitations regarding this plan...it may need. some adjustments. Some of those are not entirely right for what you have in mind in my opinion. If you will allow Talia to assist. We have had an extensive database... acquired.

I have been made familiar with your Trainer. Is he onboard yet ?

@Ringmaster

 

[Ringmaster]

There are some limitations regarding this plan...it may need. some adjustments. Some of those are not entirely right for what you have in mind in my opinion. If you will allow Talia to assist. We have had an extensive database... acquired.

I have been made familiar with your Trainer. Is he onboard yet ?

@Ringmaster

"No. We wish you to contact him for this job. The team...Composition will be of various agents of our choosing, and will generally be used under the most dire circumstances. Or for executions of those we have whittled to kindling."

He rose to leave and smirked.

"That however, I believe will be better elucidated once all of us are together in one place. We have you on board then?"

He extended his hand for a shake.

@Gands​

 

[Gands]

Done

The large man extends his hand and shakes it.

@Ringmaster

 

[Ringmaster]

Done

The large man extends his hand and shakes it.

@Ringmaster

The deal was done, the die was cast.

And Shredder left, satisfied without a word.

Everything was proceeding, as planned...

@Gands​

 

[OrlandoBloomers]

And, as promised... the next evening, walking into Harlem's Paradise would be Shades and Mariah Dillard. No one slowed them down in their direct progress to the VIP area where Cornell Stokes and his "friends" spent their time.

Mariah took a seat across from Cornell, and Shades stepped up to stand behind her chair, and Shades handed Cornell a file. It had release dates for the various MIDAS weaponry and a rather weightly and well-worded contract.

"So, Cornell. I hear you've made a lot of new friends lately. I take it you found my gift appropriate?" She steepled her fingers together and leaned forward slightly, waiting to hear what he would do to explain himself.

Because, you need to give someone rope if you want them to hang themselves.

And below, as usual an act was on stage...

@OrlandoBloomers

"Looks like I owe ya fifty bucks." Digger remarked, staring over at another employee of Cottonmouth's. "Hit the bar later, I'll cover a few drinks, yeah? Great, glad ya agree." He finished for the guy without letting him get a word in. Remaining where he stood overlooking the whole scene from behind Cornell, leaning against the wall and taking a sip of his own can. Didn't take long at all, did it? Certainly less time than he expected. And bet on. Rest in peace his aching wallet.

"New friends is one way to put it."

So this was what the sleazy politician and her errand boy were like in person. First impressions from appearance...not the best but also not the worst, so there was that. "Ya know, for such an important lady as they say...I really was expecting someone taller." He raised his eyes over to the guy right behind her. "So you're Shades, eh? Calling it like you see it, with those nice glasses of yers. Maybe the two of us can step aside for a sec and discuss something else. Word on the street is ya know a thing or two. Information is power and all that."

Stokes had been able to at least give him a lead to chase this broad down...but not where to find the lead. Lawton could be anywhere. And detective work just wasn't his deal. Scoping out a bank was one thing but he never was into hide and seek. But perhaps Shades would know. One step at a time.

@Michale CS @OrlandoBloomers​

Hernan nodded. "I'd love to do that, but I'm providing Miss Dillard with needed moral support at the moment. If, however, you're willing to wait until I've escorted her to her vehicle out front at this meeting's conclusion, I would welcome such a chit chat. I'm... a fan of your work. I assume you're no longer working directly for Miss Waller, yes? Because if you are, we'll have not very much to say, I'm afraid. But... if we are all working for the same... family, then well... Family first, right?"

He grinned and offered a handshake to Digger to show no hard feelings. He was on the job, and other opportunities simply had to wait until that was done.

@C.T.

Cornell, unusually enough, wasn't very responsive at first. He was leafing through the file passed his way by Shades, skimming through the pages to digest the essentials rapidly enough, letting Mariah help herself to her usual choice of beverage when one of his serving staff came to offer her it on a tray. It was only when he came to a section that seemed to hang him up that he spoke up in response, his eyebrows furrowing as he licked his thumb and started running his eyes across the words a second time while he replied.

"Don't worry 'bout all my new friends, cuz. Worry about yours. That Tockman cat? For real? Geek's gonna try kick you off ivory tower and take your spot first chance he gets. You gonna hire a whiteboy to have your back, hire one with no ambition. Ain't that right Digger?"

He gave one of his usual laughs, though it was shorter and less pronounced. Cottonmouth tossed the file back on the table so it was facing Mariah's way, opened on the page he was expected to sign under the contract as the club owner rubbed his stubble and leaned back in his seat, looking out over the musical act playing with a nod in satisfaction.

"What is that, Mariah? I can't sign without leaving a legal footprint. You know I don't roll that way. I thought this was gonna be some off-the-cuff, scraps-fall-off-the-table-and-I-pick-'em-up shit."

@Michale CS @C.T.
​

Staring Azalia didn't know how to take everything that was happening. She wanted to just walk out but some part of her compelled her to stay. Taking a deep breath she shook her head "No, I know nothing. I haven't exactly had luxurys at all during my life so, TV is something I never had the chance to watch. So, if your important I probably have no clue who you are or where you are from." Azalia said with a slight icy tone to it. She didn't want to be rude but, her words could be interprutted as being harsh. "Sorry, I just... I don't know." Azalia said putting a hand on her head.

Suddenly sitting down on the floor she shook her head "I need to take a break for a second. That really took alot.. Well." She mumbled out. Azazel looked at her before walking behind her and standing directly behind the girl. "I am Azalia... Its nice to meet you Illyana. I apologize for being hostile." She mumbled out looking as if she was about to tear up. Disrupting the magical energy Magik had put up took far more out of her than she ever expected. Infact, she had never done anything like that before.

Screaming could be heard as all the lesser Rabbits fed directly out of Azalias depressed state. Running around and teleporting they could be seen jumping from light to light and from room to room before Azazel disappeared and the screaming stopped. The rabbits, now all silenced were gone. The only thing remaining of chaotic nature was the girl sitting on the floor with tears in her eyes. Wiping the tears from her eyes she just remained on the floor unable to bring herself to stand up "Im a mess.." She mumbled out starting to put herself down.

@Michale CS @OrlandoBloomers​

"You weren't. Being hostile."

Illyana looked down at the girl reservedly, expression steadfast and seemingly implacable, her gaze so focused that the continued antics of the rabbit demonlings went completely ignored. This was... odd for her. And why usually she was only sent on missions to rescue mutants from dire straits, not to comfort or give counsel. Cyclops pitched things; Kitty gave the heartwarming speeches and reassurances and hugs that warmed peoples' souls and made them feel unafraid.

Magik just... magicked. And made people cry.

"Wanna get out of here?"

She straightened up suddenly, hand on her hip and looking off to the side in Stargirl's direction.

"Not for long. Somewhere relaxing. McDonalds, I think, if you're hungry. Or if you want somewhere quiet, Wakanda. There is a place I go sometimes; to get some air. Far from civilization. Your imps won't trouble anyone."

Raising her eyebrows, she looked back at Azalia and offered her a hand up.

@Angelic Fusion @Michale CS​

 

[Michale CS]

"What is that, Mariah? I can't sign without leaving a legal footprint. You know I don't roll that way. I thought this was gonna be some off-the-cuff, scraps-fall-off-the-table-and-I-pick-'em-up shit."

"Oh I don't expect you to sign anything. I just wanted you to appreciate the scope of our relationship. See how much money I could be making, and how generous I'm being to you. You keep that contract. As a reminder. And since it's in print, as your very own six dollars of postage you can mail off to some media hack if you ever think I'm not honoring my side of our arrangement. But, of course this comes at the price of certain assurances..." She leaned back, sipping her drink.

"Assurances that no chink named after a kitchen appliance representing a crew named after a body part is gonna ever be more important than family. Because if that day ever comes Cornell, I swear the very next day? This here club of yours... Won't be. I used to have an attachment to this place. Now I realize this is a symbol, of things past. Small, petty things. I used to want to change Harlem for the better. Nowadays, I'm thinking bigger. Much bigger. And don't you worry about Tockman. He's loyal. Like Shades here."

And below, another song played...

@OrlandoBloomers

 

[Michale CS]

She straightened up suddenly, hand on her hip and looking off to the side in Stargirl's direction.

Courtney gave an approving nod and smile. Everybody was free to leave the Whitmore at any time, and... After dealing with as many disaffected people as she had recently, she knew how uncomfortable and awkward this might be for both Azalea and Illyana. Putting up a barrier to the counseling would just make it worse, and possibly dangerous.
"I trust her." She told Azalia.

"I don't." Callisto said as she entered the room. "But she's the best hope this one has got. X-Men have a... Mixed history with us Morlocks, don't we, Darkchilde? But I'm not going to get in the way here. I'm bitter, not stupid."

@Angelic Fusion @OrlandoBloomers